NHL Rumors II: Stars, Blackhawks, Bruins and Maple Leafs

Mike Heika of the Dallas Morning News: (mailbag) Question brings up rumors of Patrick Sharp and possibly Brent Seabrook being available through trade in the Blackhawks attempt to get under the salary cap. Though Sharp’s name has been in the rumors, Heika notes that defensemen seem to be the focus now, mainly Johnny Oduya and his $3.375 million cap hit (one-year left). Sharp doesn’t really fit in with the Stars. Heika doesn’t see the Stars going after a Dman like Oduya. Seabrook would be a long-shot to moved this offseason, and but you never know next offseason. Seabrook would definitely fit in with the Stars though.

Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: (mailbag) Haggerty thinks that defenesmen David Warsofsky and Adam McQuaid are the favorites to be traded when they look to lessen their surplus on the blueline. GM Peter Chiarelli should wait until teams start calling them. Johnny Boychuk could also be moved to help with their cap issue, but he’s an important part of the team.David Krejci could be worth $7 million a season on his next deal.There is a mutual interest between the Bruins and Kevin Hayes, but some people close to Hayes said a few weeks ago that the Avalanche and Predators are the favorites.There is no reason to trade Carl Soderberg.

“There’s always more to do,” Shanahan said Thursday. “Once you get something accomplished, it’s always on to the next thing. I think we made some good changes, but it’s about getting on the ice and playing and competing and seeing what you have and developing.
“For me, once you do something it’s always: What’s next?”

James Mirtle: Brendan Shanahan plans on sitting down with Dion Phaneuf soon to talk about the team, etc.